Italian beginners: module 1

Anna was drawn to London in her adolescence, by her love of English language and culture. She received a TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language) and Modern Languages Teaching Certificate from Westminster College in 1996 and her Postgraduate diploma in Higher Education from Goldsmith University, in 1999. In 1997, she started teaching Italian at the London College of Fashion and Central Saint Martin, before moving to the London School of Economics, in 1999, where she is still working as a teacher and as a coordinator of Italian language. She started teaching adults at the City Lit in 1998, where she began to appreciate working with a wide range of students of various ages and backgrounds. She enjoys the social aspect and human contact of education, always reflected in her approach to teaching. In her classes she encourages interaction among students, which is the foundation of learning a language as she has experienced, whilst learning French a Spanish. Anna also taught Italian at the Courtauld Institute of Art between 2009 and 2019.

After teaching Italian and English for over 20 years — in Italy and Switzerland — to adults, teenagers, migrant students and hospitalised patients, Paola moved to London, where she continued her career while enjoying the city's vibrant and diverse cultural layers. Alongside a Master's degree in Modern Foreign Languages and Literatures, Paola holds a qualification to teach Italian issued by the Italian Ministry of Education, a DITALS I certification from the University for Foreigners of Siena, and a CELTA. Her classes are focused on creating a friendly and relaxed atmosphere, where fun and learning go hand in hand and conversation is at the heart of every lesson. She also enjoys exploring Italian literature with her students — being an avid reader herself — as well as discussing news, music, cinema and culture more broadly.

Ottavia Castellina is an art historian, photographer and tutor. After gaining a degree in Art History at Turin University she completed an MA in Photography at the London College of Communication. Over the past years she has been teaching Italian, art history and photography both in Italy and in the UK, while her photographic work has been internationally exhibited and published. She currently works as a photography lecturer at Genoa University while organizing workshops and courses in a range of different contexts and institutions.

Born in Sicily and adopted by Bologna for ten years, where I earned a degree in Aesthetic Philosophy and Italian Studies, I later moved to London and trained as a language teacher at International House. Alongside teaching, I work as a translator, so language occupies much of my professional life. I teach Italian to adult learners at all levels. With beginners, I focus on building solid foundations and particularly enjoy introducing authentic materials from the outset. With more advanced learners, I enjoy demystifying some of the more complex aspects of the Italian language and exploring Italian culture through literature, cinema, music, and discussions of Italian history and society. My approach is learner-centred. I aim to create a relaxed and supportive environment in which learners feel confident to experiment and develop their skills. Drawing on a range of teaching methodologies, I seek to make learning engaging, meaningful and enjoyable.